Steam hat and cap stretcher and shrinker



July 9, 1929.

M. LIVERANT 1.720.602

STEAM HAT AND CAP STRETCHER AND SHRINKER Filed Dec. 16. 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet V 5f R E V V] 15 M 4611 8700; INVENTOR.

A TTORNEY' Patented July 9, 1929.

UNITED STATES MOSES LIVERANT, 0F YORK, PENNSYLVANIA.

STEAM HAT AND CAP STRETCI-IER AND SHRINKER.

Application filed December 16. 1926. Serial No. 155,228.

The invention relates to a stretching device, and more particularly to a combined hat and cap steam stretcher and shrinker.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character wherein a hat or cap can be accurately stretched or shrunk as occasion may require, the device being of novel form, light in. weight but strong, and rust-proof.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character, wherein the same can be readily adjustedto effect the stretching of a hat or cap or to effect the shrinking of such article, the moistening of such article being effected in a novel manner.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character, which is extremely simple in coi'istruction, thoroughly reliable and efficient in its purpose, and inexpensive to manufacture and install.

Vith these and other objects in view the invention consists in the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully de scribed, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, disclosing the preferred embodi ment of the invention and pointed out: in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawing Figure l is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the device, constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevation looking toward one end of the device.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional elevation of a slight modified form of adjustable block.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in the drawing.

Referring to the drawing in detail A designates generally a foundation or board, preferably made from wood, although the same may be made from any other suitable material and of any appropriate contour, whereon is secured a stand B, preferably in the form of an aluminum casting of hollow contour to provide therein a chamber 10, the stand being fixed to the foundation or board through the medium of fasteners 11. Positioned over the stand is a fixed block C and a movable block D, these being substantially identical in appropriate contour.

The blocks 0 and D are each preferably made from aluminum and of hollow formation. 'Each block preferably includes a suitable frame 12 whereon is carried bell 13 having the conformation required for engaging suitably with a hat crown or cap body.

Mounted on the stand B is a head 15 provided in its top with a diametrically extending guideway 16 open at one end. Ar ranged at each side of the guideway and secured upon the head 15 is a track member 17 of greater length than the guideway 16 and which projects laterally from the head at the open end of the guideway. The track members 17 do not extend entirely across the head.

Mounted on one side of the head 15 is the block 0. Securing devices 14 are provided for connecting the head 15 and block C to the stand B. The block C is stationary.

Depending from block C is an apertured lug 18 which is positioned in the guideway 16 at the inner ends of the track members 17.

The block D is slidably mounted on the track members 17 and is formed with a depending lug 19 extending into the guide way 16. The lug 19 has an opening formed with a threaded wall and extending through said lug 19, as well as threadedly engaging with said wall is a turn screw or rotatable element 20 formed with a reduced inner end 21 extending through the apertured lug 18 and swivelly connected to the latter. By this arrangement the block D is caused to approach or recede relative to the block C of the device. The screw 20 has fitted in its outer end a cross handle 22, so that the same can be manually manipulated.

On the foundation or board A is carried a plate 23 on which are markings indicating the size to which the hat may be stretched in each of the various positions of the movable block D. A pointer 24 depends from the movable block so as to terminate adjacent this marking plate to apprise the operator of the adjustments effected.

\Vithin the chamber 10 in the stand B is located an elevated water pan or tray 25 having beneath the same a heating unit 26, in this instance the same being of the electric type and receives its current from any suitable source. The stand B in one side thereof is provided with a filling opening 27, so that water can be introduced into the pan or tray 25. Extending upwardly through the top of the stand B into the stationary block C is a tube 28 forming a passage for vapor or steam to pass from the chamber 10 into the said block C. This block O is provided with an outlet port 29 which emits steam or vapor to the interior of a hat or cap when placed upon the blocks C and D for the stretching or shrinking of such hat or cap. It is to be understood that in lieu of the electric unit 26 another type of heating unit may be substituted should the occasion require.

In Figure 4 there is shown a slight modification, wherein the blocks E and F, each has arranged therein a heating unit 30' in electrical connection with. any suitable source and this unit is supported upon a vertical Web 31 formed interiorly of the blocks. These blocks E and F are mounted in the de- Vice in an identical manner as the blocks C and D. Removably fitted on the bells 32 of the blocks E and F are arm holds 33, each being fitted with a dowel pin 34- removably engaged in a socket 35 in the bells 32 of the blocks E and F. The arm holds are designed for stretching arm holes oi coats instead of the old Way of ripping out the sleeve and cutting the arm hole larger. The adaptation of the arm holds for sleeves out coats will be clearly obvious, as the sleeve of the coat at its inner end introduced over the members 33 and by separating these by adjustment of the blocks E and F relative to each other the arm hole can be stretched as will be clearly apparent.

It should be obvious that rotation of the screw 20 will effect a relative movement-be tween the two blocks. In any of the various positions of adjustment, the movable block D is held against rotation as will be apparent, the movable block being capable of wide adjustment.

It is of course understood that the hat or cap is placed over the block of the device so that said hat or cap on adjustment or the movable block D can bestretched or in the use of the heating unit the shrinking of the hat or cap can be effected.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction and manner of operation of the device will be clearly understood and therefore a more extended explanation has been omitted.

What is claimed is A hat stretcher comprising a stand, a head mounted thereon and provided with a diametrically disposed guideway open at one end, a pair of opposed, spaced track members each arranged at one side of the guideway and secured upon the head, said members projecting lateral-ly from the head at one end of the guideway, a stationary block mounted on one side of the head over the inner part of said guideway, adjacent the inner ends of said members and provided. at its bottom with a depending apertured lug extending into the guideway, means for securing the block, head and stand together, an adjustable block slidably mounted on said members, opposing the stationary block and having a depending lug extending into said guideway, said lug of the adjustable block formed with an opening having a threaded wall, and a rotatable element threadedly engaging with said wall and having a reduced inner end swivelly attached to the apertured lug and providing for shifting the adjustable block relatively to the stationary block.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature.

MOSES LIVERANT. 

